Improvement in paper-files



UNITED STATES PATE fr THOMAS C. FAHNESTOCK, OF CINCINNATI, OHIO.

IMPROVEMENT IN PAPER-FILES.

4To all 'whom it may concern Beitknown that I, THoMAs C. FAnNnsTooK, of Cincinnati, in the State of Ohio, have invented certain Improvements in a Clip and File for liling and binding letters, bills, invoices, Src., with ease and dispatch, of which the following is a specification:

The nature of my invention consists in the arrangements ofthe part-s so as to produce a di` rect parallel action on the press-plate that holds the paper, without the use of a lever, and in providing a means to hold the press-plate when the points are uncovered forinserting the papers to be filed, which plate, when disengaged, instantly forces the papers down or back, and holds them firmly and equally.

The accompanying drawings clearly show the construction and operation, in which Figure l is a perspective view of the clip and file hanging on a hook, with papers held between the back plate and moving press-plate; Fig. 2, the same, seen on top, with the spring-chambers uncovered, in order to show the coiled spring and central bolt on each side.` Fig. 3 illustrates the same with the key and pressplate drawn out, the casing-prop C embracing the stem B of the key, to which it is hinged by a pivot. The press-plate D is drawn under the top or gage iiange H vagainst the front plate E, (inside,) to uncover the pins or paper points P when adding or filing papers on the same, the upper edges of which are pushed against the iiange H, which gages them all to an uniform distance, and secures regularity in iiling.Y

The back vertical portion A can be variously shaped and used as it is, or secured to a back of binders7 boards or other material, and is provided on each side with a springchamber, J, containing a headed bolt, L, countersunk or riveted to the head or back plate A, and provided with a screw end extending through the chamber and outer cap-plate J, where it is secured byv a nut, N. A spiral spring, K, is placed around the bolt in each chamber. Against the inner or lower end of said spring the prolonged and perforated ends of the press-plate D, which embrace the bolts, are brought, said press-plate being also perforated to allow the paper-holders or points P to pass through, and thus enable it to lie against the back A by the pressure of the springs against it. In order to operate it on its bearings, which serve also as guides, the

vtwo spring-chambers J are connected about of which is iirmly attached centrally to thepress-plate I). A three-sided or open case, C, with lugs on its two opposite sides, is perforated for a pivot, by which it is hinged to the outer end of the stein B of the drawing-key.

This case C has also a raised flange, by which it is more easily moved by the linger or thumb.

The operation is very simple. By drawing out the lkey the press-plate is also drawn out against the coiled springs in the chambers, which are necessarily brought in close contact, as shown in Fig. 3; but a slight pressure on the inclined case or hinged prop C will bring it up to embrace the stem B, and consequently hold the parts in that position.l When tliepapers are iiled, as before mentioned, a touch .on the flange will push thc lower end of the casing-prop C out to its former inclined position, as seen in Fig. 2. The spring,'acting on both ends of the press-plate D, forces'the papers now "under it on the points of the pins P down or back into close contact with those previously filed, until the clip is lled.

The paper-holders or points P are such as are now in common use for binding by open ing and reversing their ends. These points P are secured by sliding them over the hook on the lower end of the spring-catch G, and then under the slotted and opened retaining-lugs O on the inner side of the back or head plate A. The spring G, which should be made of steel, has its upper end formed into a hook, which hooks into aperforation, I, in the plate A. Its lower point is also hooked for holding the heel of the paper-hol der or point P in its position, so that it may be removed and replaced by others, on emptying the le or clip, for binding or otherwise preserving the file of papers.

I am aware that a file and clip was patented so late as the 4th of January, 1870, which is designed to perform the same functions, but

differs substantially in its construction and op# eration-from mine. I arn also aware' that coiled springs, in connection with a press-plate, are not new, but differ substant ally in the arrangement. I therefore (lo not broadly olairn the springs.

What I claim as my invention, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, s-

1. The draWing-keyB With its hinged propeasing C, in combination with the sliding,` pressplate D, guide-bolts L, and. springs K, all arranged and operating substantially in the manner and for the purpose specifi ed.

2. In combination with the plate A and its perforations I, the hook-spring Gr and the slotted open lug O for holding the heel of the paperpoints l?, substantially in the manner and for the purpose set forth.

THOMAS Witnesses N. MARGHANT, C. H. 'WARE o. FAHNEs'TooK. 

